NINE out of ten residents in Withington and Fallowfield say they feel unsafe walking alone at night.

NINE out of ten residents in Withington and Fallowfield say they feel unsafe walking alone at night.

This was the view of 88 per cent of 10,000 residents polled in a questionnaire by Manchester City Council. Now the council is to make a number of changes to make people feel safer.

The authority is planning to install security cameras on 'danger streets' and improve street lighting.

Street crime is commonplace in Withington and Fallowfield. It has one of the highest rates of crime in Manchester.

The problem is perceived to be so bad that a vicar in Withington has changed the times of church services because people are too scared to attend after dark.

Reverend Sandra Woodhead, of St Paul's Church, on Wilmslow Road, Withington, said: "I have already moved evening services on Sunday from 6.30pm to 3.30pm because people do feel unsafe.

"People do feel frightened. There may not always be a reason for their fears, but that's their perceptions."

Withington councillor, Alison Firth, said: "We want to see more police on the streets and CCTV for Withington village."

But Fallowfield councillor David Royle said insisted his ward is safe: "Fallowfield is a safe area. We have got good, dedicated police officers and housing officers when we are dealing with anti-social behaviour.

"It comes down to commonsense when you are going out. Fallowfield is no different to anywhere else."

The survey's results were published in the council's annual monitoring report after 10,000 residents were quizzed on their quality of life at the end of last year.

But crime rates have fallen in the period covered by the questionnaire.A recent report revealed violent crime in Greater Manchester had dropped four per cent in the last 12 months.

And total crime rates have dropped across Manchester since rolling figures started being kept in April 2003.

A spokesman for Manchester City Council said: "Overall the level of crime in Manchester is falling and it is encouraging that the majority of people recognise that.

"However, it is clear that some residents perceive the threat of crime at night to be higher than it actually is.

"Our community safety officers work very closely with the police and local communities to tackle crime problems wherever they occur."

The spokesman added: "We are also working to improve the physical environment by improving lighting, cutting back bushes and installing CCTV. Where someone has concerns, we would suggest they also take precautions when walking home at night. Try to walk with a friend, follow a well lit busy route and do not take short cuts across secluded parks or through alleyways."